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Become a mystery shopper and get FREE meals in restaurants, FREE stays in hotels and FREE drinks in bars.

Many mystery shopping companies will provide you with different assignments depending on who their clients are. We show you here how to get mystery shopping jobs and bag lots of freebies as a mystery shopper.

• What is mystery shopping?
• Jasmine’s experience of mystery shopping
• In-store Opportunities
• Online Opportunities
• How to get involved as a mystery shopper
• A Money Magpie’s mystery shopping experience
• Find a mystery shopper job

 

What is mystery shopping?

Nowadays, all industry sectors employ mystery shoppers – retail, automotive, financial services, hospitality, property, call centres, public services, travel, and even the voluntary sector – so there’s a huge range of work available.

If you become a mystery shopper you could be enjoying a weekend break one month and phoning a call centre to complain about your gas bill the next.

You don’t need any formal qualifications to be a mystery shopper – but you do need to have good observational skills and a good memory.

Mystery shopping (sometimes known as secret shopping) has been around for 60 years and is now highly regulated in the UK. The Market Research Society has created a code of conduct, and standards are maintained by trade bodies such as the Mystery Shopping Providers Association.

Good part-time work

Mystery shopping is very flexible and not usually suitable as a full-time job, but it can be good to fit around other jobs in your life.

And remember that mystery shoppers count as self-employed, so you’ll need to declare your earnings to HMRC. Find out here about paying tax when you make extra money.

Want to get a FREE MoneyMagpie eBook about how to be a mystery shopper? Download it HERE…

 

Jasmine’s experience of mystery shopping

See here what Jasmine thinks about mystery shopping after her experiences of it.

Check out our bumper article on freebies and bag yourself even more free stuff.

 

In-store opportunities

Report-only mystery shopper

This is the most common option. You’ll be given a brief and a checklist of things to look out for. You need to follow your instructions (without letting anybody know you’re testing them), evaluate the response and then provide feedback, usually by way of an online questionnaire.

Covert video mystery shopper

This is specialist stuff and only for well-trained shoppers. Essentially, you’re given a brief; you enter the premises as a customer, and then you record the entire process using covert video cameras. Companies need clear pictures, so don’t go for this if you record your feet at family events!

Site inspection

For a site inspection, mystery shoppers may be asked to do one of two things. You may be asked to go to a store and buy specific items from a specific retailer. This is to ensure customers are getting what they pay for, as well as the availability of stock.

The mystery shopper may also be asked to interact with staff when searching for and purchasing their items. This is to check how staff interact with customers. You will then provide your feedback to the company conducting the mystery shopping.

Eating at restaurants

Getting paid to eat at restaurants? Sounds like the dream. This dream could become a reality for you if you take up mystery shopping, and could be a fun side hustle.

Multiple chain restaurants use mystery eaters to ensure their customers are getting brilliant food and even better service. They will pay you to go to their restaurants, have a meal and report back to them. In some cases, your meal will be paid for and in other cases, your meal will be covered and you will be paid for your time on top.

It is important to be aware that some agencies will offer you a fixed amount of money to eat at a restaurant. Remember, it may not be enough to cover the cost of the meal, so you will need to check beforehand.

watch films

As with restaurants, cinema chains want to ensure their customers are getting the best experience possible. So, if you’re an avid cinema-goer or movie buff, this may be the perfect job for you.

Not only will you be able to watch films for free, but agencies will often allow some cash for snacks and drinks. This allows you to interact with the staff, try the yummy goodies available to munch on whilst you watch the film.

You will be asked to review many things, from the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff, the availability of snacks, the prices and even the comfort of the seats. Your overall experience will be asked for. It is important to keep in mind that reviews can take time and agencies require detailed responses, so keep this in mind when you apply.

 

Online opportunities

Telephone mystery shopper

If you’re better at playing a role on the phone than in person, you might prefer this option – there’s plenty of work available. You’ll be given a company to call with a set of questions that a typical customer may have. Again, you’ll need to assess the response and provide feedback.

Postal monitoring

This one requires minimum effort. Your home address is simply used for receiving brochures and other promotional material. You return the items, and the content and speed of delivery is measured.

N.B. don’t be conned by ‘mystery shopping’ scams that get you to receive money into your bank account and then send most of it on to a foreign account to ‘test’ the money transfer company. These are totally bogus and should be avoided and, ideally, reported to Action Fraud. Be careful only to use the mystery shopping agencies we mention on MoneyMagpie so that you’re not scammed.

Email mystery shopping

You’ll be sending specific enquiries to websites and monitoring the speed and content of the response. Depending on your personality, writing emails is potentially much easier than talking to businesses in person or on the phone!

Again, you’ll need to assess and then pass on your findings.

giving your opinion online

It’s not mystery shopping as such, but giving your opinions about products or services through online survey companies is the same type of thing.

It’s another easy and quick way of making some extra cash in your spare time.

You have to be careful which online survey companies you join though. These are the ones that we like:

• InboxPounds
• The OpinionPanel Community
• Swagbucks
• LifePoints

Make sure you set up a separate email address before you sign up to any of these. Give this separate email address to them when they ask for contact details so that your usual inbox isn’t flooded with offers and ads (that’s one of the ways they make their money).

Find out more about online surveys and how to make the most money from them here.

 

How to get involved as a mystery shopper

Step 1: Find the right mystery shopping agency for you

Check out the list below and sign up with one of the many mystery shopping agencies on offer. It’s not a complete list, the full list of genuine agencies can be found in our mystery shopping eBook (which is absolutely free!)

Some specialise in specific industries, others are more general. You could try investigating the major department stores – Selfridges for example has its own mystery shopping panel.

Be sure to check out…

• ESA
• iShopFor Ipsos
• Grass Roots
• JKS Mystery Shopping
• Market Force

This list contains some of the better mystery shopping agencies in the UK. We have the complete list in our Mystery Shopping eBook.

Most of the agencies will get you to take a test before they’ll let you in. These can be quite tricky so you might have to do them a few times before getting them right. Don’t be put off though – persist!

If you want to find a company on your own…

• Make sure they’re based in the UK with a UK phone number and address.
• Don’t just put ‘mystery shopping’ into your search engine. All sorts of dodgy companies could come up.
• If you see a company you haven’t heard of before, put their name into the search bar and see what websites like ours say about them. Check the forums too as people who have had experience of them will say what they think.
• Make sure you keep an eye out for the small ads too. Local papers and recruitment agencies often carry mystery shopping adverts.
• You should be looking for the ones you’ll get the most out of, whether that’s the pay you receive for the jobs you do, or the freebies you get from the places you inspect.
• It should never cost you to join a company – they should be paying you for the work you do.

Step 2: Go out in the field

Once the agency accepts you, you can begin looking for jobs on their website.

You need to go and shop – or eat – or enjoy a show – but the main objective is to follow the guidelines exactly, without having the instructions in front of you.

You’ll need to report on products and services, which can include anything from aspects of the decor, cleanliness, atmosphere, how the staff deal with other customers, how many staff there are and what they’re all doing.

Most mystery shopping agencies ask that you don’t write notes or make what you’re doing obvious while you’re ‘on the job’, as it can affect the way you’re treated by the staff. The company’s main objective is to get an impartial experience.

Note that at time of writing, the UK is on lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic and you should only be doing minimal shopping trips for essential groceries right now. You can however make a note of the in-person mystery shopping opportunities available and apply for them when life returns to normal!

Step 3: Report on your mystery shopping experience.

This will usually involve filling in an online questionnaire with short or longer answers about your experience as a customer.

You’ll receive payment/reimbursement after you’ve reported on your job, which you’ll ideally do within 24 hours of completing the task.

Pay rates differ from company to company and depend on the complexity of the work.

Generally, you can expect to earn £5 – £25 per task plus expenses (but as little as £1 – £5 for phone work).

 

A Money Magpie’s mystery shopping Experience

Our Publishing Editor, Marc Crosby, decided to join up to a mystery shopping agency to see just how easy it was to earn money. Here he tells us about the experience:

“I joined up to one of the online mystery shopping agencies and, after putting in a few details, was asked to do a mystery shop for a fast food chain in my local area. It didn’t take long to be offered the job and they were willing to pay £20 for completing it.

It really did feel like going undercover, little did the staff know I was watching their every move, mwahahaha…well, except, they probably did, because mystery shopping takes a little practice. I was told to note down how long it took from asking for my order to the meal being handed to me, which meant using my phone as a stopwatch. That’s easier said than done when you’re juggling your wallet around.

By the time the meal was handed to me and I’d fumbled for the ‘stop’ button, they probably knew what I was up to (which might explain why a member of staff held the door open for me as I left, wishing me a good day – not a normal procedure at fast food stores!) But, hey ho, good service and I gave a good score. All I needed to do was go back and quickly answer a few questions that took no longer than half an hour to complete.

I was paid within two weeks and was offered loads of mystery shopping work after. Honestly, it could have been a nice little earner if I had more time to do it.

So if you’re in doubt, I’d say give it a go. Mystery shopping really is quite easy money, plus the company usually pays for your food/item, so that’s another bonus!”

Whatever you do, don’t miss our number one article 10 easy ways to make quick cash – featuring the very best money makers around including mystery shopping!

The post Mystery shopping: Become a mystery shopper and get paid to shop and eat out appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

Original source: https://www.moneymagpie.com/make-money/mystery-shopping-become-a-mystery-shopper-andget-paid-to-shop-and-eat-out

The post Check to See if You Are Eligible For This £300 Winter Payment appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

Original source: https://www.moneymagpie.com/make-money/check-to-see-if-you-are-eligible-for-this-300-winter-payment

Google has rolled out its Ads Editor version 2.4, with 16 new features and updates for advertisers to utlize to improve the efficiency of their capaigns.

Below is a breakdown of what’s new.

New Features:

1. App Install Ads deep links. You can add app deep links to App Install Ads using the App URL field, just like with App Engagement Ads.
2. Automatically created Ad Strength assets. Ad Strength of responsive search ads will take automatically created assets into account to ensure that Ad Strength results are accurate.
3. Asset source in asset report. The “Asset source” column is now available for channel level, asset group level, and ad level asset reports. This column enables you to differentiate between automatically created assets and advertiser provided assets.
4. Additional fields in Discovery product ads. Discovery product ads now support the following additional fields:
   • Videos
   • Long headline
   • Path 1
   • Path 2
5. In-feed video ads. Editor now works with in-feed video ads for Discovery campaigns, combining features of Discovery and responsive display ads.
6. Text mode for selecting videos. You can now switch between video picker and text mode in the video asset library. Previously, Editor v2.4 used a video picker to select videos for ads. With text mode, you can directly enter video IDs to choose videos.
7. Campaign level broad match. Editor now supports the broad match keywords campaign setting. When activated for a campaign, only broad match keywords can be used, and any existing non-broad match keywords will be converted to broad match.
8. Video view campaigns. Editor now supports Video view campaigns, which are Video campaigns with Target CPV bid strategy and multi-format video ads.
9. Search themes in Performance Max campaigns. Editor now works with search themes in Performance Max campaigns. These themes help you share important insights with Google AI about your customers’ searches and the topics that drive conversions for your business.
10. Replace Text tool for product groups. You can now use the Replace Text tool to change text across all parts of a product group. For instance, you can quickly correct a consistently misspelled brand name throughout your product groups.
11. Device targeting in Discovery campaigns. You can now enable mobile carrier targeting, and campaign level device bid adjustments for desktop, mobile, tablet, and TV in Discovery campaigns. For bid adjustments, the only adjustments allowed are 0% and -100%.
12. Brand settings for Search and PMax campaigns. Editor now supports brand settings for Search and Performance Max campaigns, specifically:
    • Brand restrictions for Search
    • Brand exclusions for Performance Max
13. Dynamic Search Ads features in PMax. Editor now supports features related to Dynamic Search Ads in Performance Max campaigns, including:
    • Adding Dynamic Search Ads in Performance Max campaigns.
    • Specifying page feeds to use in your Performance Max campaigns.
    • Supporting webpage targeting for asset groups.
14. Ad format controls for Video reach campaigns. You can now choose the ad formats that show for Video reach campaigns, including:
    • In-stream ads
    • In-feed ads
    • Shorts ads
15. Demand Gen ad group level location and language. You can now set language and location targeting for Demand Gen campaigns at the ad group level. Remember that you can only choose the targeting level when creating the campaign, and you can’t modify it later.
16. PMax dynamic Search Ads upgrade tool. You can track each campaign’s migration status in the tool, but keep in mind that Google Ads Editor won’t be accessible until the migration finishes. Once the migration is done, the tool downloads draft campaigns and identifies any failed upgrades. It also highlights errors, like missing assets. After fixing these errors, the recommendations are applied immediately.

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Why we care. The new features have been designed to give advertisers greater control, simplify the editing process, and enhance the efficiency and overall performance of your Google Ads campaigns.

Deep dive. Read Google’s full list of changes for more information.

The post Google Ads Editor version 2.5 rolls out with 16 new features appeared first on Search Engine Land.

Original source: https://searchengineland.com/google-ads-editor-2-5-new-features-434167

Google has rolled out a new Ad Review Centre for AdSense, Ad Manager and AdMob.

Five major changes have been added to the platform – all aimed at improving the user experience for advertisers.

Below is a breakdown of what’s new.

New Features:

1. Larger area to view ads. The new Ad Review Centre features an improved layout to maximise the area that you have for viewing ads.
2. New, easy-to-use filters. Google has added new filters to make it quicker and simpler to select statuses like ‘Allowed’ and ‘Blocked’.
3. Bulk actions are easier: The search engine has also introduced a prominent ‘Select all’ button so it’s now easier to take actions on pages of ads.
4. Simplified image search. The new Ad Review Centre has rolled out a more prominent ‘Search by Image’ button and improved the search results. It also now shows image search requirements in the image selection dialogue.
5. Improved detail view: Lastly, the platform has also updated the detail view by adding an expandable ‘Ad info’ area with more metadata and a new ‘Related ads’ tab to make it quicker to find related ads.

Why we care. These new features have been introduced to enhance the efficiency of ad management, simplifying the advertiser’s tasks and potentially saving them valuable time in the process.

What Google is saying. A Google Ads spokesperson said in a statement:

• “We’re super excited to introduce the new Ad Review Centre for AdSense, Ad Manager and AdMob.”
• “We’ve spent a lot of time listening to feedback from publishers and partners alike, and we’ve made several investments to improve the experience for everyone.”

Deep dive. Visit the Ad Review Centre overview for more information.

The post Google launches new Ad Review Centre for AdSense Ad Manager and AdMob appeared first on Search Engine Land.

Original source: https://searchengineland.com/google-new-ad-review-centre-adsense-ad-manager-and-admob-434199

Home Business Magazine Online

Organising a club can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, whether it’s a sports club, book club, hobby club, or any other type of social or interest-based group. To ensure the smooth operation and success of your club, you’ll need various supplies and resources. In this article, we’ll explore the essential supplies needed when you’re organising a club, from the planning stages to the club’s ongoing activities.

1. Stationery and Office Supplies

Having basic stationery and office supplies is essential for organising and managing your club. You’ll need pens, notepads, sticky notes, paper, printers, ink and toner, and folders for taking notes during meetings, jotting down ideas, and keeping important documents organised.

2. Sign-Up Sheets and Membership Forms

You’ll need sign-up sheets and membership forms to keep track of club members and their contact information. These forms help you gather essential data, such as names, email addresses, phone numbers, and any specific interests or preferences members may have.

3. Meeting Space and Reservations

If your club meets in person, you’ll need a dedicated meeting space. Depending on the nature of your club, this could be a room at a community center, a local café, or even someone’s home. Ensure that you have a system for reserving and coordinating the use of this space.

4. Communication Tools

Effective communication is vital for club organisation. Tools like email, group chat apps, or social media pages can help you stay in touch with members, share updates, and plan events. Consider creating a club-specific email address or social media account to centralise communications.

5. Promotional Materials

You’ll need promotional materials to attract new members and promote your club. These can include flyers, posters, and digital graphics that highlight the club’s purpose, meeting times, and contact information. Be prepared to distribute these materials in your community or online.

6. Budget and Financial Supplies

You’ll need a budget if your club requires funding for activities, events, or materials. You may also need financial supplies, such as a petty cash box, a ledger to track expenses, and receipts for purchases related to club activities.

7. Club Materials

Depending on the type of club, you might need specific materials related to your activities or interests. For example, an art club might require art supplies, while a sports club needs sports equipment. Ensure you have the necessary materials on hand for club activities.

8. Club Uniforms or Attire

Some clubs may choose to have uniforms or specific attire for their members. This could be as simple as matching T-shirts or more formal attire, depending on the nature of the club. Ensure you have a process for ordering, distributing, and maintaining these items.

9. First Aid Kit

Safety is a priority, so having a basic first aid kit on hand for emergencies is a wise precaution. Include bandages, antiseptics, and any other supplies necessary for minor injuries that may occur during club activities.

10 Record-Keeping Tools

Maintaining records is crucial for club organisation. Consider using record-keeping tools like notebooks, digital spreadsheets, or software designed for clubs and organisations. These tools can help you track membership, attendance, and financial records.

Conclusion

Organising a club requires a variety of supplies and resources to ensure its success and smooth operation. From basic stationery to communication tools and event planning materials, having the right supplies on hand can help you effectively manage your club and create a positive experience for members. Whether your club is focused on a shared hobby, a common interest, or a social cause, the supplies mentioned here are essential for keeping your club organised and thriving.

The post Supplies Needed If You’re Organising a Club appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Original source: https://homebusinessmag.com/lifestyles/success-lifestyles/supplies-needed-organising-club/

Home Business Magazine Online

The holiday shopping season is here! If you are on the lookout for must-have gifts for all the business owners in your life, below are some awesome picks that will be a hit. From a car air freshener that will keep long commutes fresh, to a haircare gift that will help the recipient look and feel their best, these gifts are sure to make the season even more jolly:

Featuring two best-selling body products, this anti-aging skincare gift hydrates and exfoliates for an all-day glow. Includes moisturizing Body Wash that is formulated with 10% Glycolic Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) to gently release dead skin cells and reveal fresh, healthy, younger-looking skin. Also features the prestigious Renewal Body Lotion that is formulated with 12% Glycolic Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) to thoroughly hydrate and gently exfoliate, leaving skin soft, smooth and younger-looking from head to toe. Made for all skin types, this set is $29 at www.alphaskin.com

For over 30 years, Alpha Skin has been helping customers get healthier and younger looking skin faster with their products specially formulated with Glycolic Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) that promote skin health. Clinically tested, cruelty free, hypoallergenic, non-irritating, and allergy-tested, Alpha Skin products are fantastic gifts for the holidays.

Medical Scrubs Collection Infinity Footwear BOLT

These chic shoes have a breathable, flexible knit upper for all-day comfort, especially if you’re prone to swollen feet. Underneath, an ultra-cushiony midsole with airbag adds even more comfort. Also features an oil- and slip-resistant sole and a removable, shock absorbing latex-free polyurethane insole with arch support and heel cupping for stability and all-day comfort. The interior lining and insole are also treated with Certainty® antimicrobial technology to inhibit the growth of microbes that cause odor. Retails for $67.96 at medicalscrubscollection.com

From breezy joggers and comfy jackets to khaki scrubs, plus size scrubs, maternity scrubs, and Dickies scrubs, Medical Scrubs Collections offers a vast array of chic fashions for all kinds of occasions.

The post 4 Lifestyle Holiday Gift Picks for Business Owners appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Original source: https://homebusinessmag.com/businesses/5-lifestyle-holiday-gift-picks-entrepreneurs/